Ladies, get ready to swoon as Michael Bublé look and sound-alike, Rickie Arthur, brings Buble Fever to the Beck Theatre next week. He told SIBA MATTI more about his tribute to the multi award-winning singer.

DESPITE having a relatively short career to date, at just 35, Michael Bublé has achieved stratospheric success, dwarfing that of many singers twice his age.

Such is his popularity that his current Crazy Love Tour, which ends in August this year, has become the sixth highest grossing tour worldwide, earning more than $100million.

But fans who missed out on watching Michael Bublé in action have the chance to see the next best thing as tribute artist, Rickie Arthur, brings Buble Fever to the Beck Theatre.

Rickie, 23, who hails from Newport in south Wales, bears a striking resemblance to Michael Bublé, with a voice to match.

Since he began touring just 10 months ago, backed by a team of top session musicians, he has achieved a phenomenal response with many venues already sold out.

Rickie, a trained classical singer and songwriter, explains: "About 18 months ago, people started telling me I looked like Michael Bublé, but I actually didn't know who he was.

"I gave him a listen and although I usually perform my own music, which is acoustic /folk, I decided to give it a go.

"I started off at small clubs and it has quickly grown into larger theatres, although not quite as big as the stadiums Michael Bublé performs at.

"My shows are much more intimate, with about 300 people, so I can interact with the audience and have a good chat with them."

So what can visitors to the Beck Theatre expect from Buble Fever?

"I'm not going to pretend to be Michael Buble, and I won't be putting on an accent," insists Rickie, who has been nicknamed 'young Buble' by fans.

"I'm not trying to fool people into thinking I am him, I'm just going to pay tribute to him by singing his songs, backed by the best band in south Wales.

"He is a great artist and many people would love to see him perform but simply can't afford to, and that's where I come in.

"The show will include a mix of his songs, plus some of his Sinatra covers, to create a fantastic atmosphere where the crowd and I feed off each other's energy."

Rickie has worked hard to hone Michael Bublé's sound, including listening to his records and attending his gigs, where he once met the man himself.

"Michael Bublé has such an epic sound and my own voice is quite different, so it has been hard work but fun," adds Rickie, who is also an accomplished actor, choreographer and dancer.

"One day I would love to have my own show and emulate Michael Bublé's success, so hopefully Buble Fever will get me noticed.

"For the time being, it is making money and keeping me busy, so I am just enjoying the ride."

Buble Fever comes to the Beck Theatre on next Thursday, July 14 at 7.30pm and tickets cost £16.50 - £18.50. To book, visit www.becktheatre.org.uk or call the box office on 020 8561 8371.